Month: August 2026

The BIBLE View #1061 —Judging Others

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In This Issue:
We Have A Lot of Nerve!
Is That Your Rooster Crowing?
Other’s Sin

Volume: 1061   August 24, 2026
Theme: Judging Others

We Have A Lot of Nerve!
Bill Brinkworth

After detailing the seven-fold slippery slope of sin’s ruin that too many succumb to, Romans 2 gives a stern warning to many.  This admonition applies to most of us.  The caution is not to judge others for their sins, as we are guilty of many of the same iniquities.
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans  2:1

Most of the time when people judge others:

  • They do not have all the facts, truth, and circumstances.  God knows the truth and all the intents of every instance; we usually do not.
    “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.” Rom. 2:2
  • They do, or have done, the same sins they are judging others of committing.
    “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” Rom. 2:3
  • They show no mercy to the sinners and want them dealt with right away, even though they have been spared thousands of consequences for their wrongdoings!  God’s wonderful mercy and giving us multiple chances often give us time to repent and halt our iniquities.
    “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom. 2:4   Also: Rom.  2:5.

Again, we have no business judging anyone.  We are warned that how we judge others will determine the severity by which we are judged:
“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Mat.  7:2    Also: Mark 4:24.

We will all face a judgment from the One who knows all truth (Rom. 2:11) and will judge all fairly.  Ultimately, God will judge every one of us.

  • His judgment for our sins often occurs during this life.  No one gets away with wrongdoing.  There is a wage for our iniquity.
    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
    “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal.  6:8  Also: Col. 3:25.
  • Believers will not be judged for their sins (John 3:18, 5:24, 6:40, I John 2:12).  However, they will attend the Judgment Seat of Christ:
    “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Cor.  5:10  The “we” is referring to Christians.  Christians will face the Judgment Seat of Christ.  See also: Rom. 14:10.

The believer will be judged for his works for the Lord and get or lose rewards.
“Now if any man build upon this foundation [Christ] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”  I Cor. 3:12-15  Also: Eph.  6:8.

  • All unsaved from all ages will eventually be judged at the White Throne Judgment.
    “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Rom. 2:6
    “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.13 … judged every man according to their works.  14 … This is the second death.15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:12-14. 

Unfortunately, judging others is a part of most of our everyday activities.  We judge what we think a person really meant when they talked to us.  We judge why we think a person did something.  An innocent action done by a person may inaccurately be assumed to be done for a wrong motive.  We sit on our throne of self-righteousness and judge all around us!

All of us are imperfect.  None of us wants to be judged for what we have done.  We all want to be forgiven for our mistakes and wrongdoings; yet, we are so critical of others.  We have a lot of nerve!  God has spared us much of our just deserts.  Why can we not do the same for others?

“Don’t judge someone just because they sin differently than you.”

Is That Your Rooster Crowing?
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes we can be very judgmental of a person.  When one sins who was doing well spiritually, we are reluctant to show mercy.  We often judge their behavior.  However, we should remember that no one is exempt from backsliding away from God. 

Any one of us could make a mistake and get involved in theft, dishonesty, immorality, or any other sin.  It is only God’s grace, our circumstances, and our character that separate us from those who get involved in sin. Falling into sin can happen to any one of us.

Peter was a prime example of unexpected, ungodly behavior. Peter boasted to Jesus that he loved Him so much that he would never turn against Him. He was determined to lay down his life for the Saviour. Prophetically, Jesus responded revealing that He knew Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:37-38, Mat. 26:34) before the rooster crowed.  After an angry mob took Jesus away, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled. 

When a woman who opened the door accused Peter of being one of the ones with Jesus, Peter denied that he was even associated with Christ.  Another damsel asked Peter if he was one of those with Jesus, as he warmed himself at a fire (Mat. 26:71).  He flatly denied any association with Jesus.  Later, another servant asked the disciple if he was one of those with Jesus; Peter denied even knowing the Lord for the third time. A rooster then crowed. Peter, I am sure, “Gulped!” He had done what he thought he would never do.

Making a huge spiritual mistake can happen to any one of us. We can never let our guard down and think sin cannot control or ruin us.  You think you are so spiritual that you will never fall? Be careful; there may be a rooster getting ready to crow for you any minute.

“Sin’s payday will be some day!”

Other’s Sins
The Dawn

During a revival, a young man said frankly that he did not wish to be a Christian.  When asked for his reason, he replied, “Several years ago I was in a man’s kitchen.  He, finding me there, swore at me and kicked me out.  He was a professing Christian, and from that time, I decided never to have anything to do with religion.  And I never have to this day.”

The young man was asked to write down his reason in full and sign it.  Then it was handed back to him with the words, “Take this, and when you are asked for your excuse on the Day of Judgment, hand this up.” The young man saw his folly and came to Christ that night.

Are you letting the sins of others keep you from giving your heart to Jesus?  Don’t be so foolish; for it will not stand the test of the Judgment Day.

“We evaluate our friends with a God-like justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a God-like compassion.”  — Harris

The BIBLE VIEW #1060 — Helping Others

In This Issue:
Maybe They Need to Fix It Themselves
Fixer of Broken Things

Volume: 1060   August 10, 2026
Theme: Helping Others


Maybe They Need to Fix It Themselves
Bill Brinkworth

Many have the desire to help others who are seen in distress.  They see others hurting, struggling, confused, and not knowing what to do next, and believe they can change and help fix the problem. They are considerate, and that is commendable much of the time.

Parents see their adult children struggle. The sight grieves them, and they offer money to get the young adult out of the situation the child found himself in.  However, constantly bailing the child out may deprive that person of the opportunity to learn what needs to be understood.

A child breaks the law and faces prison.  The father does not want the child to go to jail, which is understandable, and got the best lawyers, paid little concern that his son’s actions hurt another person, but made sure the child was soon freed from getting any jail time.  

However, that young man may not realize how the crime has hurt him and others. Now he sees that there is a way out, even when a wrong is committed.  Unfortunately, he may not have learned the lesson he should have, and believes he can always get out of a problem.  There may be no change in his behavior, and he may find himself in the same situation again.

A homeless person is seen as needy. Kindness is shown, and many of the person’s needs are met. However, that person may have gotten into that situation through bad decisions and may continue to get into them because he never made life-changing decisions to prevent it from happening again.

Advice is offered. Debts are dissolved.  Money is given to solve a problem.  The intentions are good.  Help is wanted and often received, but is that person really being helped? 

There are times when people need help.  It is the right thing to do in most situations.  But if that person repeatedly does the same thing, it may be apparent that he is not learning from his past.

Perhaps the best way to help that person, after he has been helped multiple times and there seems to be a pattern of making the wrong decisions, is to let him experience the consequences of his choices. He may then make changes to prevent repeated behaviors.  Most of us learn best and develop a stronger character when we learn a lesson the hard way.

Facing the consequences of mistakes and having to deal with them on one’s own is often the only way a person will make changes.  Sometimes the test in the School of Hard Knocks is for the best when it is passed on one’s own. It often refines character.

Many find that when they are at the “bottom of their barrel,” which is usually different for every person, they look for a way up and out of their predicament.  Often, at that time, they seek God’s help and learn to rely on Him. They may never look for a way to change or look to God’s help if people continue to solve their problem for them.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 

Perhaps that person found himself in a desperate situation because he was never shown what the right thing to do was.  Godly advice from a person helping in the situation should be offered, along with any financial or other support, so that the person can avoid similar problems in the future.

Sometimes a person is in a terrible predicament because they know the right way, but, for whatever reason, choose to do it differently. Sweating through the consequences may teach them the right way, so they never find themselves down and out again.

There are also times when a person rebels against logic, social norms, and even runs from the conviction God has placed in their hearts, which is why they are in the situation they are in.  Again, helping them out of a situation they repeatedly seem to be in may not be helping them.  It may be encouraging them to continue going the way they are because someone always picks up and fixes the shattered pieces in their life.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“If God is working in a person’s life, our helping them may prevent them from learning what God is trying to teach them.”

That person may be going through a trial that God ordained to help and strengthen that person. It may never be learned if others solve the problems for them.  Difficulties often encourage a person to trust, obey, and follow the Lord.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:3-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverb 3:5 Also: Psalm 37:5, Philippians 4:19.

Helping others when they need help is natural and should be practiced often.  However, discernment and perhaps more knowledge about how that person got into an unpleasant situation are needed so that the person can climb out of their trouble on their own and learn never to do what they did again. A self-taught lesson is usually more helpful than all the handouts and fixes someone else could ever do.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. “ Psalm 126:5
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Roman 5:3-5

“If you choose not to deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the problem and one will select the path of least resistance.” 
―  Susan Del Gatto



Fixer of Broken Things
Bill Brinkworth

As a child, when something was broken, usually an adult would fix it. It seemed that whatever happened, an adult, be it parent, teacher, or neighbor, could easily solve the problem that troubled us younger folk.

As I got older, there were problems that an adult could not fix. They tried their best, but their solutions did not work. Many times, they shook their heads and admitted they had the same thing broken in their own lives and did not know how to repair it for themselves.

After I was saved, I learned that there was one who could fix situations and dilemmas that no one else could. It was not the psychiatrist, for they had their own unfixable problems. It was not the doctors’ pills, for they often fixed only the symptoms, not the root of the problem. Nor was it the wisdom of the teachers, for many of them had no idea or experience to address the many traumas one faced in this life. It was God’s wisdom that could fix anything!

“Unfixable” things could be fixed by following the advice in His Word, heard from the preaching of His word, or even gleaned from biblically related writings.. Our heavenly Father has raised trillions. His advice, when obeyed, can fix many broken things in our lives. His Word advises us how to fix:

Broken hearts and feelings:
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18
He can be close to those who have had their hearts broken by tragedy, rejection, or disappointment. Not only can He be with you when you go through the valley of despair, but He can also help you get the victory.

Broken confidences:
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Psalms 9:10
Others may fail you, but God will never neglect one of His children. He promises “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

Broken Lives:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17If you have come to a point in your life where you realize you have messed up, God can change you from the inside out and give you a second, third, fifteenth… chance.

Broken fellowships, relationships, and even a broken body of poor health:
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37
When all earthly hope seems to have vanished, there is a God who can do anything and change any situation.



Not all things that are “broken” should be fixed. There are times things need to stay broken and discarded.

Sometimes they are allowed to be “broken,” because if something is not changed, our lives will not be what they should or could be. That is why we should only seek God’s help. He loves us the most and desires only what is good for us and our relationship with Him.

God’s intervention and direction are the best for us. If God’s discernment is that something broken in our lives needs fixing, He is the one who can help fix it. If it is best for you and in God’s will, God can be the fixer of what is broken in your life. There is hope!

“You cannot trace the guidance of the Spirit of God, or diagnose His operations in the secret rooms of the soul. He seems at times to let good go, and to bring good out of evil, and light into darkness.”   — R. Benson

The BIBLE VIEW #1059 — Eternity

In This Issue:
Unprepared
Eternity

Volume: 1059   August 3, 2026
Theme: Eternity

Unprepared
K. Arvine

A woman spent her afternoon and evening gambling at a casino and partying heavily with her friends.  When she returned home, she found her maid reading a well-worn Bible.

After glancing at the reading material over the servant’s shoulder, she muttered, “Poor woman.  What pleasure can you find in wasting your time reading such a boring book?”

That night, the mistress could not sleep.  She sighed, wept, and tossed and turned.  Twice, the servant asked her what was the matter.

The lady of the house finally burst out in tears and cried, “Oh, it is one word I saw in your Book that troubles me.  The word that has bothered me so was ‘eternity’!  Oh, how happy I would be if I knew I was prepared for a heavenly eternity!”

Eternity
Bill Brinkworth

The life God has allowed us to have now is only temporary.  What we do with the existence God allows us to have now will determine where we will go in the next promised life.

Our time here on Earth is only the beginning!  All will face an eternity, but most wonder, “Where?” The Bible promises that there is a permanent place where everyone will spend their eternal future.

Only one instance of “eternity” is found in the KJV.  It is the habitation of God, and He will have others with Him.
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

However, “eternal” is used 45 times in the King James Version New Testament and twice in the Old Testament.  Noah Webster defines “eternal” in his 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language as being “Without beginning or end of existence, ceaseless, continued without intermission.” It is a never-ending habitation far surpassing the 70-year average in this life.
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10  (A “score” is 20 years.)

People have always wondered how they could live eternally in God’s kingdom.
“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17

To be with Him now is only by trusting Christ as one’s Saviour.
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15
“As thou hast given him [Jesus] power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” John 17:2
“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” I John 2:25
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” I John 5:11
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John  5:13

For this church age, eternal life is not gained by good deeds, works, or strict obedience to the Old Testament laws.  It is by accepting what Jesus did for us.  It is a gift (Romans 6:23) for those who believe and trust what God has offered them.
“And I give (given, not earned!) unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Those who live the way God desires will receive eternal rewards.
“And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” John 4:36
“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7

When this life takes its last breath, those saved by Jesus will live in a place that God has prepared for them.
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, (Webster: ”to break, to separate, to lose the tie or bonds to anything), we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1

“Immortal” is used once in the KJV to describe eternity.  According to Webster (1828) it: “Has no principle of alteration or corruption; exempt from death, having life or being that shall never end; continual.”
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.” Timothy 1:17

“Everlasting” is used the most to describe what is on the other side of this life.  It is mentioned 91 times, and most usages are found in the Old Testament.  The word means “lasting or enduring forever, eternal, existing or continuing without end, immortal.”

The word is used to promise that God’s vows to us will “never end.” They will always been reliable and available.
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Genesis 17:7
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Psalm 90:2
“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

God will always be a source of safety and protection for His own.
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” Deuteronomy 33:27
“Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:4
“Hast thou not known?  hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?  there is no searching of his understanding.” Isaiah 40:28
“19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory…” Isaiah 60:19-20

God will never forget us.
“Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” Psalm 112:6

The Word of God prophesied that God would send mankind a Savior who is also God.  It was said in advance that the One (Jesus) would come.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Again, Jesus is the only way to Heaven and to have “everlasting” life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24

God’s way and plan will always be available.  It will be continually available to be obtained by mankind. 
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” Revelation 14:6

Everlasting salvation will be the most important accomplishment one can make that will never perish.
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.  “ John 6:27

Every person who was born of a woman has a soul that will live forever.  However, the majority will not open their eyes to the wonderful permanent future described above.  There is also another everlasting life most will experience, but it is a horrifying, tormenting future.  It is Hell, and one day it will be emptied into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46
“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” Mark 3:29
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46
“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” II Thessalonians 1:9

An examination of “eternity,” “eternal,” “immortal,” and “everlasting” in the scriptures gives a more expansive view of what awaits one after this life.  It is a future longer than 70, 100, 1,000, 10,000 or even a million  years.  However, that understanding should make one more aware of how important it is to receive the right never-ending consequences to wrong choices.

One should now realize not just about their own future, but also about those encountered.  They are not just neighbors, old, young, ugly, good-looking, smart, or dumb.  They are souls soon facing a never-ending future.  Where will they spend their everlasting future?

That thought should make one more cognizant of directing others to the right eternity, not the one they will eternally regret.  Your efforts may direct others toward a gratifying future rather than a sorrowful one.  If you do not show or tell them, they may suffer permanently.  You can make an eternal difference!